Diversity makes all the difference.
It drives our success.
Diversity makes all the difference.
It drives our success.Ultimate Medical Academy is committed to cultivating a diverse environment that welcomes and values all backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are vital components of our success because they open our minds to important perspectives. We know our team works best when we can be our authentic, whole selves. It’s important that UMA reflects the amazing diversity of our student population, our communities, and our country. We’re committed to establishing a culture that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for others because the community we build within can help shape the world that we share.
There is no room for racism or discrimination of any kind at UMA. We value every member of our team – current and past students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employer partners. We embrace diversity, which is our greatest source of strength. At UMA, “We Stand Together”.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council Timeline
2021- UMA added “Equity” to Diversity and Inclusion as a new intention for organizational culture.
- A third Employee Resource Group, PAW PRIDE (Passionate Alliance of Working Professionals Rallying for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) was established to support members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- In June, EVP Nicole Anzuoni was recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as an OUTstanding voice for the LGBTQ+ community.
- In March, UMA introduced the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to help drive UMA efforts and weave DE&I into the organizational culture.
- Over the year, UMA hosted guest speakers on various topics including Juneteenth and Florida’s emancipation history, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage, National Coming Out Day, and the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
- In February, UMA kicked off a Living History series for Black History Month. The series began with a trivia game on Tuesday, February 9, where all the answers in the game consisted of Black people who are still alive today. It continued with guest speakers Dr. Bernard LaFayette and Dr. George Wright.
- Throughout the year, UMA teamed with CTR Factor, a women, veteran- and minority-owned business based in the Tampa Bay area, to conduct Unconscious Bias and Microbehavior training for people managers and senior leaders.
- First D&I learning event to be hosted virtually, in light of COVID-19
- UMA Head of Diversity and Inclusion Brian Fitzpatrick recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as an Outstanding Ally for the LGBTQ+ community
- “We Stand Together” statement issued in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor
- First “Community Conversations” hosted for employees to express thoughts, feelings and experiences about racial injustice and disparity
- Black Professionals’ Employee Resource Group established
- D&I Mentorship Program launched
- First Employee Resource Group (ERG), the Women’s Information Network (W.I.N.) established
- First unconscious bias training conducted at UMA
- Florida Diversity Council meeting hosted at UMA
- D&I Council formally established, with support from the Board of Directors and executive team, along with a charter first draft of a message map capturing the vision and mission of the Council
- “Work as One” value’s verbiage updated with more inclusive language
- Statement announcing UMA’s full embrace of diversity and inclusion added to the UMA website
UMA’s Inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council Meeting in 2018
Notable Events
Community Conversation on Racial Disparity
In June 2020 – amid the public outcry and civil unrest following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans – the D&I Council hosted three sessions where team members could share their experiences and opinions in a confidential open forum. The sessions fostered important, emotional and impassioned responses that made an impact on everyone who attended.
Community Conversation on Mental Health with Dr. Jenna Sage
In May 2020, UMA’s own Dr. Jenna Sage led a discussion with team members on how important it is to take care of yourself and pay attention to your mental health. “Self-care is not selfish,” she told team members.
Being and Ally and an Advocate, with Frances Donegan-Ryan
In April 2020, digital marketing expert and diversity and inclusion advocate Frances Donegan-Ryan joined the Diversity & Inclusion Council for its first virtual event. Frances discussed how team members could be better allies and advocates for their co-workers.
Carlotta Walls LaNier – Black History Month Speaker
In February 2020, the Diversity & Inclusion Council welcomed Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the pioneering Little Rock Nine who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. The Council also held a giveaway where team members were eligible to enter to win a copy of her book, “A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School.”
Ashley Brundage – LGBTQ+ Speaker
In June 2019, the Diversity & Inclusion Council invited Ashley Brundage, a transgender woman who is the Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion for PNC Financial Services Group, to advance UMA’s efforts to improve our work environment by educating employees at our four Tampa Bay area locations.
Veterans Day
Each year, UMA aims to recognize veterans for their service. In the past two years, UMA has pushed the envelope with internal recognition of veteran staff. In 2019, our veteran employees received “Thank You” packs, including a card signed by President Tom Rametta. Our Veterans Day Ambassadors were also presented with a Veterans Appreciation Ambassador Recognition.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Ultimate Medical Academy’s Diversity & Inclusion Council recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) each year with celebrations that include indelible components of the Latino experience in the U.S. such as food, music and dance!
Employee Resource Group
Employee Resource Groups are voluntary collectives open to all employees that aim to expand awareness, understanding and support of the groups they represent. UMA started its first ERG, the Women’s Information Network (WIN) in 2019with the vision of supporting Diversity & Inclusion initiatives that enhance work experience and culture for women. In July 2020, UMA launched an ERG focused on the Black community, and it is in the process of launching others.
Celebrating Diversity
UMA formally recognizes and celebrates a number of events throughout the year in an effort to champion cultures that have profoundly impacted history. These celebrations are instrumental in helping UMA achieve its mission to equip and empower students to excel in healthcare careers.
- MLK Day (January)
- Black History Month (February)
- Women’s History Month (March)
- Celebrate Diversity Month (April)
- Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month (May)
- Mental Health Awareness Month (May)
- Juneteenth (June)
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June)
- Women’s Equality Day (August)
- Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (September)
- Multi-Cultural Diversity Day (October)
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October)
- Native American Heritage Month (November)
- Veterans Day (November)
- Human Rights Day (December)
- Religious Differences in the Workplace: Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan